Coachlines - September 2023

29.09.23 Honorary Assistant Lesley Upham

Welcome to new Freemen and Liveryman

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At the Summer Court held in July at Saddlers’ Hall, we welcomed one new Liveryman who was sworn and clothed, 11 new Freemen, and one Honorary Freeman to the Livery.

Honorary Freeman Chloe Smillie

The Master had the great pleasure to swear Chloe Smillie as a Honorary Freeman. Chloe is the widow of the late Past Master James Smillie who was Master in 1996. She lives in Buckinghamshire and although she is retired from a full time work, she keeps herself very busy travelling and visiting the theatre and opera.

Those Elected Members to be Sworn and Clothed as Liverymen

Liveryman Stevven Olive

Stevven and his partner Kerri live in Bexley, Kent. Stevven is a National Highways’ Coach and has successfully run his own driving school for 13 years. He is a member of the City Livery Club and is a member of DIA, ROSPA and IAM Roadsmart. In his spare time Stevven’s interests include driving, swimming, kayaking, running, mountain biking, mountaineering, reading, motorcycling, and history.

Those Elected Members to be Sworn as Freemen

Freeman Alex Bailey

Freeman Alex Bailey lives in Buckingham with his partner Sarah. He was educated at Bloxham School and attended Bournemouth University, where he gained a BSc(Hons) degree in Design Engineering. He co-founded Dynamic Metals Ltd from scratch at the age of 26, growing it to a business supplying the aerospace, F1, space, defence and power generation industries. As a mentor for final year students at Bournemouth University, Alexander gives presentations to the students when requested, to help them with the transition from studying to industry. His interests include long distance triathlon, running, marathon canoe racing, classic cars, motorsport, music, and clay pigeon shooting.

Freeman William Bedell

William was educated in Shropshire and lives in Shrewsbury with his wife Caroline. He is a director & major shareholder of Horse Weigh International Ltd, having previously been an international full time athlete, competing for GB & NI on the world stage for five years. In 2009 he was granted the Royal Warrant to HM The Late Queen, for the supply and maintenance of horse weighing equipment. He is a member of the Royal Smithfield Club, British Limousin Cattle Society, Welsh Pony & Cob Society, and Countryside Alliance. His leisure interests include field sports, keeping fit and Welsh rugby.

Freeman Air Commodore Edward Cole MBE

Edward and Janet Cole live in North Warnborough in Hampshire. Edward was educated at Kingston Grammar School, Kings College London and Said Business School. He has a MA (Defence Studies) and PG Dip (Logistics). He is currently Head of Support Transformation, Ministry of Defence, among previous roles he was Group Captain Support, Royal Air Force Brize Norton. Edward is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. He has been involved with many RAF based charities. Military history, particularly the Falklands’ conflict, and motorsport feature on his list of hobbies and interests.

Freeman Bridget Donaldson

Bridget lives in Battersea. She attended Newcastle University and the University of Oxford where she gained her PPL, a BSc in Geophysics, an MSc in Energy Systems Engineering and is currently studying for a PhD Sustainable Aerospace Engineering. She works as a Sustainability Research Specialist, and also as cabin crew for TUI Airways. She was the recipient of the Victor Gauntlett Scholarship in 2020. Bridget is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers, an associate of the HCAP and a member of RaeS. Her interests include flying, walking, charitable work, sailing and rowing. Bridget says, “I owe my career path to brilliant organisations such as the Air Cadets, the Air League and the Coachmakers and am so passionate about giving back and supporting other young people who were once in my position.”

Freeman Andrew Garner

Andrew and Sharon Garner hail from Shepshed, Loughborough. Andrew was educated at Hind Leys High School. During his career he has been chairman of a number of private and public businesses, growing shareholder value. Both Andrew and Sharon have been involved in charitable activities including the Round Table and Riding for the Disabled Association. Interests include country sports, shooting, fly fishing, riding, antique guns, clocks, art, books and wine, while still making time for vintage cars, the garden and holidays.

Freeman Anthony King

Anthony and Barbara King live in Barton St David, Somerton. Anthony was educated at East Grinstead Grammar School; Royal Naval Engineering College Manadon and Cranfield University. He gained a BSc (Hons) Electrical Engineering, MBA, and CEng. While retired he has many interests including as a volunteer for RE:ACT Disaster Relief Charity, the Navy Wings charity, and is a governor of Strode College. He was previously Managing Director/Owner AK Consulting and held various roles in the Royal Navy. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and formerly Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Anthony has many interests and activities including woodwork, DIY, motorsport, golf, adventure holidays, and walking.

Freeman Callum Parker

Callum lives in Hilton, Derby. He has a MSc Aerospace Dynamics from Cranfield University and a BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Salford. He has begun working towards Chartered Engineer status and is currently a System Design Integrator at Rolls-Royce. He was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Student Ambassador Programme at Cranfield University, and is an Associate of the Royal Aeronautical Society (ARAeS). Charitable affiliations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the NHS Blood Donor programme. His interests and leisure activities include aircraft, flying, cycling, swimming, baking, aircraft scale modelling, photography and skiing. Callum was awarded the Coachmakers’ Sir Frederick Handley Page award for his MSc studies in 2022.

Freemen John and Janice Pitchfork

John and Janice Pitchforth, who live in Welwyn, have become Freemen of the Company. Both are heavily involved with The Heritage Skills Academy, John as Managing Director and Janice as Operations Director. The Heritage Skills Academy specialises in delivering ‘old-school’ coachbuilding and engineering expertise and training. John is a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry. He is a ski instructor and Group Leader for the Back Up Trust, teaching people with spinal injuries how to ski independently. He has a passion for classic vehicles and boats, skiing and historic motorsport. Janice is a winner of the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards, Personality Category 2020 and co-owner of Heritage Skills Academy Limited. She assisted PM Sarah Adams-Diffey in setting up The Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice Award. Apart from cars and car events, in her spare time Janice is a keen gardener, house renovator, avid reader and is obsessed with her dog, Darcie.

Freeman Hugh Griffiths

Hugh and his wife Rose live in Farnborough. Hugh was educated at Taunton School before moving on to the University of Leicester and University of Warwick during which time he gained a BSc(Hons) in Physics and a MBA. He is currently Chairman of 2nAble – Learning and Mental Rehearsal, as well as having a number of non-executive director roles. He has 20 years’ military service, retiring as a Wing Commander. He founded Inzpire, growing it to 300 people, which has been listed in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies. Hugh is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Chartered Management Institute and Institute of Leadership and Management. He is a supporter of numerous charities and is in the process of creating his own charity based on aviation and medicine. Hugh is also very interested in STEM and helping young people in the aerospace and defence industries.

Freeman Mark Thomas

Mark and Simone live in Newbury. Mark was educated at Cowbridge School, South Glamorgan and attended Queens’ College, Cambridge University, studying a MA in Engineering. He also has a MSc Diploma in Aerospace Design, Manufacture and Management from Bristol University and UWE. He is currently Chief Executive Officer at Reaction Engines Limited. Mark is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, supports the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, and Queens’ College Alumni Association. His interests include aviation and military history, travel, skiing, mountain biking and dog walking. Mark says he is an engineer by trade and at heart, and loves technology, aerospace, and wants to help people achieve their aspirations in these sectors.

Freeman Dustin Kronsbein

Dustin lives in South Kensington. He went to CATS College London and CASS Business School, and is currently CEO at Ultrafilter AG. His charitable activities include Aequitas International – providing aid to Ukraine, and St Michael’s Hospice in Herefordshire. His interests and leisure activities include shooting, traveling, and fly fishing.